Stifel’s recruiting push is accelerating with the addition of two advisors managing $176 million to its coalition of planners.
Advisors Geoff Espe and Larry Flynn have joined the firm’s Clayton, Missouri office from the RIA Wheelhouse Securities. The pair brings more than 50 years of combined industry experience to Stifel. Erika Zimmerman, a registered client service associate, will also join them at the firm.
“This move highlights the increasing regulatory burdens faced by independents and the solutions that Stifel can offer — the freedom of independence with the strength, structure, and support to help them do what is truly important — help their clients pursue their financial goals,” Kevin Ortmeyer, Stifel regional director, said in a statement.
The pair chose to move to Stifel for a number of reasons, including the company’s growth trajectory, a variety of recent acquisitions, as well as its small feel. They didn’t want to end up at a firm that is “overwhelmingly large,” says Espe.
“We’ve spent close to a year exploring a number of different options once we decided it was time to make a change,” Espe says. “It was important for Larry and myself that we find a firm that was still growing and had a path to grow —that had a lot of resources that advisors have access to — to do a good job for clients.”
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Stifel says the fact that it owns a bank — instead of being owned by one — is a big appeal in recruiting.
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The firm also opened a new branch office in Flint, Michigan.
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The firm has cast a wide recruitment net, luring practices large and small.
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Espe and Flynn serve individuals clients, ranging from people who are just starting out to seasoned investors.
Using the additional resources available at Stifel will “open new doors” and “hopefully lead to additional referrals,” Flynn says.
Espe and Flynn each spent eight years with Wheelhouse, according to FINRA BrokerCheck records. Before Wheelhouse, the advisors were with Huntleigh Securities in Missouri for a decade.
Stifel has been busily
“We continue to see independent and RIA financial advisors appreciating the value of Stifel,” John Pierce, head of advisor recruitment for Stifel said in a statement. “Our entrepreneurial culture helps them take care of their clients without the complications of regulatory, legal and infrastructure issues.”
